Part-Time Debate: Madsen Sees Gap in Justice - Germany's Minister Proposes Overhauling Part-Time Work to Tackle Labor Shortages
Schleswig-Holstein's Economics Minister, Claus Ruhe Madsen, has called for a review of part time jobs near me rights to address labour shortages. He argues that the current system creates unfairness, as part-time employees receive the same health insurance benefits as full-time staff while contributing less in taxes. His proposals aim to encourage longer working hours without immediate legal reforms.
Madsen highlighted concerns over the state's high part-time employment rate, which he links to ongoing skilled labour shortages. He criticised a CDU motion that sought to restrict part-time work rights to specific justifications, dismissing the term 'lifestyle leisure' as misleading. Instead, he argued that part-time protections should focus on those with caregiving duties or health issues.
To boost total working hours, Madsen proposed practical incentives rather than constitutional changes. These include tax exemptions, overtime bonuses, and expanded childcare and eldercare services. He also suggested re-examining spousal income splitting—a tax benefit that may discourage secondary earners from work from home jobs.
While Madsen does not push for urgent legal changes in Schleswig-Holstein, he believes the current imbalance in contributions and benefits needs addressing. His goal is to keep an ageing workforce engaged longer, easing pressure on the labour market.
The minister's proposals focus on incentives and support systems to increase overall working hours. By targeting childcare, eldercare, and tax policies, the plan aims to reduce labour shortages without overhauling existing laws. The debate on part-time work rights and fairness in contributions is expected to continue.
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